One common symptom of multiport valve problems is when there is leaking around the valve itself, or when water comes out of the waste line, even when the valve is set to the FILTER position. Multiport valve problems may also be indicated when dirt fails to be trapped by the filter, instead returning to the pool.
Why Is My Multiport Valve Leaking?
How to fix a leaking filter valve?
What is the spider gasket on a pool?
How many positions are there in a multiport pool valve?
Where is the O ring on a valve cover?
Where is the spider gasket on a diverter?
Can you replace a spring on a pool diverter?
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How do I know if my multiport valve is bad?
One common symptom of multiport valve problems is when there is leaking around the valve itself, or when water comes out of the waste line, even when the valve is set to the FILTER position. Multiport valve problems may also be indicated when dirt fails to be trapped by the filter, instead returning to the pool.
When should multiport valves be replaced?
Spider Gasket Replacement: Every 5-10 years, the gasket on a multiport valve may need to be replaced. First, make sure that you order the correct spider gasket, there are literally dozens of different sizes.
How do I know if my pool filter valve is bad?
How Do I Know If My Pool Filter is Bad?The water turns cloudy.Leaking multi-port valves,Broken or bad laterals,Valve failure,Tank failure, and.Pressure issues.
How long do multiport valves last?
Pool valves tend to last between 5-7 years before the exterior plastic parts need to be replaced. As long as the internal parts are working handles can be replaced. If the valves are older than 10 years you may want to replace the whole thing versus replacing just handles.
How do you fix a leaky pool valve?
If it's still leaking, remove all cover screws and pull out the key assembly. Clean, inspect and lubricate the large cover o-ring and place back into the groove in the key assembly. Replace the key into the valve and tighten up the cover screws, then fire-up the pump to check for leaks.
What happens when Spider gasket fails?
Spider Gasket Problems If your spider gasket becomes worn or torn, or twisted or happens to pops out of the groove in the valve body, this allows water to creep and seep from one port to the next. You may not notice water bypassing the filter, and returning to the pool without being filtered, but this can happen.
What PSI should my pool pump be at?
Normal pressure for most pools is between 10 and 25 PSI (70-170 kPa). The pressure for filtration systems varies depending on the type of filter, the size of the lines, the pump and other pool equipment. What is this? High pressure is considered to be 5-10 PSI or above the usual pressure reading.
What happens if pool filter pressure gets too high?
Since pressure pushes water through the filtration system, a higher pressure reading means the system has to work harder to get dirty water through the system. It can indicate blockages such as a dirty pool filter, lime deposits, or broken parts inside the filtration system.
Is 30 psi too high for pool pump?
Also most pool equipment has a maximum pressure rating of 50 PSI and the area between 30 and 50 is your safety margin as a pool owner. You should never operate a pool system above 30 PSI and anything above this pressure should be regarded as dangerous.
Why is my backwash valve leaking?
When operating properly, the backwash valve keeps water flowing through the filter in the right direction. However, O-rings and seals inside the valve body wear out, leading to a drip, or even a small stream of water running out of the backwash line. A backwash valve leak can mean a dirty pool, or much worse.
When Shocking a pool should the pump be on filter or recirculate?
The Filter setting is the best setting or filter position to use after shocking your pool. You may also use the Recirculate setting on your filter.
Is backwash the same as waste?
Drain/Waste: Opting the drain or waste setting will remove pool water without forcing it through the filter. Backwash: This clears out any debris, dirt and other contaminants that may have accumulated on the filter. Closed: if you choose this setting, then the flow of water to the pool and filter will be stopped.
How do I know if I need to replace my valves?
Here's how to tell if your valve needs maintenance, repair or a full replacement. It makes strange noises. If your valve sounds like an internet modem from 2002, that's a sign repairs are in order. ... Material is leaking out. ... Material is jamming. ... The airlock stopped rotating.
How do you know if you need new valves?
The symptoms of bad valves include:Cold Engine. A cold engine test will give you a good idea if your valve seal is faulty. ... Off-Throttle Braking. Engine braking involves employing different means to slow down your car asides from the external braking. ... Idling. ... Excessive Oil Consumption. ... Excessive Smoke. ... Loss of Engine Power.
How do I know if I need new valves?
If you're tearing down a race engine, therefore, some clues to look for that would indicate it's time to replace the valves would be loss of valve lash (due to valve stretch), unusual or uneven seat wear, scuffing on the valve stems, or wear or chatter marks in the keeper grooves.
Why do water valves need to be replaced?
It's important for every homeowner to know that most homes come with compression valves which are not designed to last. The compression aspect of the valve usually fails to work after about 8-10 years. This usually fails either with wear and tear or simply because it's old and has been in the home for a long time.
Multiport Valve Handle leaking | Trouble Free Pool
May 12, 2012 178 Middle Tennessee Pool Size 30000 Surface Vinyl Chlorine Salt Water Generator SWG Type Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
Multiport Problems – Ask the Pool Guy
That could be the case. If you’d like to take a photo and send it to us, we’d love to feature you in our FAQ section. So yes, you will need to take it back off, and reinstall in the correct position (if you are not sure which way that is, you may want to look up the actual part number online for the factory specifications.
LEAK AT TOP OF FILTER/MULTI PORT VALVE | Trouble Free Pool
The FILTER is Hayward - W3S244T Pro Series 24" Sand Filter with 1 1/2" Top Mount Multiport Valve and the PUMP is Hayward - W3SP2607X15 Super Pump 1-1/2HP Single Speed Pool Pump, 115/230V.
How to tell if a multiport valve is leaking?
A: There is always some rain water that collects around the handle, but if water starts to ooze up and overflow onto the lid, you have a common multiport valve leak. Underneath the handle is a large Teflon plastic washer, but this is not the cause of the leak. The handle connects to the stem (with the pin), and on the stem are two small o-rings that seal up to the underside of the cover. These two o-rings, about the size of a quarter, fit onto the stem (which is connected to the rotor, aka footpad or diffuser or diverter), or they fit under the cover. Over time, they may wear out or dry out or blow out, or lose their lubrication. Cold water temperatures will make it worse, as the o-ring can shrink just slightly, or small bits of grit and debris can get wedged up around the stem o-rings, causing leaks.
How to check if a pump valve is leaking?
If normal, check that the cover screws are all tight.If it’s still leaking, remove all cover screws and pull out the key assembly. Clean, inspect and lubricate the large cover o-ring and place back into the groove in the key assembly. Replace the key into the valve and tighten up the cover screws, then fire-up the pump to check for leaks. Valve cover o-rings don’t usually go bad over time, but if it’s broken, dry-rotted or damaged, you can replace just the cover o-ring.
How to replace a spider gasket on a Pentair valve?
If the spider gasket looks too far gone, badly twisted and torn, you should replace it. Be sure to use the correct gasket (or use a Valve Go-Kit) for your valve, as they are all different sizes. Scrape out the old gasket with a sharp, small flathead screwdriver, removing all tiny bits of rubber, and glue the new gasket in place (flat side down), using dabs of Super Glue or silicone in the (dry) grooves. Tighten the key assembly in place over the new gasket ( no lubrication needed), and you’re done replacing a spider gasket.
What is leaking in a pool filter?
When a pool filter is leaking, half the time it’s actually the multiport valve that leaks . The usual multiport problem is leaking water, or water coming out from somewhere it shouldn’t.
What is a side mounted multiport?
Side mounted multiports, used on sand and DE pool filters, connect to the filter via two (2) Bulkhead Unions, and two sweep arms. DE multiports and Sand multiports are not interchangeable, because they operate in reverse. For sand filters, water enters on the top bulkhead, but for DE filters, water enters the tank through the bottom bulkhead.
Why do multiport valves leak?
A: Multiport valves have 3 ports, Pump, Return and Waste, where pipes are connected, using 1.5in or 2in threaded pipe or adapters. At the point where the Pump and Return pipes are threaded into the valve is a common spot for a leak. One cause of this is when a hot pool heater backs up hot water to the valve, which shrinks the PVC connector. In this case, a PVC replacement is in order. Another cause of leaking multiport pipes comes from sagging pipes from movement of the equipment or equipment pad, not very common but it can happen. The most common cause is over-tightening the adapter into the valve, which can cause a crack to appear later during a ‘high-pressure event’. Events such as closing a return valve while the pump is running, or starting up the system with plugs in the wall returns, builds up a lot of pressure and could even blow the pipes right out of the valve.
Why is my backwash line leaking?
Another cause of a backwash line leaking is that the spring inside of the key assembly has failed. When this happens, your valve handle is floppy and there’s no tension when you push down. Chemical corrosion can break down the stainless steel spring over time. Remove the key assembly and look under the lid at the spring to check for rust that has broken the spring’s coil. To repair, you can just buy the new key assembly, already assembled, or you can break down the valve and replace the spring. To do this remove the key assembly from the valve, and knock out the pin to remove the handle. Then you can pull off the cover, replace the spring, and while you’re in there, replace the stem o-rings too. Be sure that during reassembly, you orient the cover and rotor in the same direction as before.
What to check if multiport valve is leaking?
You should always check the pressure levels of your multiport valve if it is leaking around the cover.
How to remove a multiport valve?
Just remove the pin to remove the valve handle and remove the key assembly from inside the multiport valve. Remove the cover of your key seal assembly and replace the spring and stem O-rings. Make sure you put the rotor and cover back in the same direction they were when you are reassembling everything.
How to fix a loose spider gasket?
Check the spider gasket for damage. If it is loose, you can use silicone or super glue to attach the loose rubber to the valve body’s dry grooves . If the spider gasket has more damage on it than just loose rubber, you should replace it (see tips below). The spring inside of the key assembly may also be causing the waste port of your multiport valve to be leaking.
How to stop a leaking pool valve rotor?
To stop the leaking, clean the O-rings, making sure to apply silicone lubricant when you’re done to prevent them from cracking or drying out and adjust them back onto your valve rotor. If your O-rings are damaged or dry in any way, you can easily replace them for a few dollars by visiting your local pool store or hardware store.
What is a multiport valve?
The multiport valve contains several valve ports that allow your pool’s water to move around so you can filter it, circulate it, and backwash it as needed. With such a necessary component on the line, you probably need tips on how to repair your damaged or leaking multiport valve. Maybe you need advice on how to replace its various components.
How long does it take for a spider gasket to dry?
Turn the valve handle to the nearest setting (filter or rinse) and wait at least 24 hours to let the glue dry before using it again.
Why does my pool heater leak?
The return port may leak because the hot water from the pool heater can heat and shrink the PVC connector. Or the valve adaptor may cause leaking near the pipes if it is over-tightened.
What to do if your multiport handle is broken?
If your handle or any part of your multiport malfunctions, please call your pool professional. We are happy to troubleshoot and help you replace your valve if needed. We also offer lessons for proper pool operation, so just ask!
What happens if you move a multiport handle?
If you attempt to move the multiport handle while the water is running it can break things within the multiport and cause any number of problems.
How to winterize multiport valve?
If you experience a water leak from any of these areas, you may want to take out the part, put some magic lube (water based lubricant) or teflon tape on the threads to prevent leaking. A drip every once in a while is okay . A stream, depending on how much water is involved is something that should be looked at.
What is the purpose of a multiport water filter?
The job of the multiport is simply to tell your water where you want it to go. The filter setting is obvious. The multiport will tell the water to go into the top of your filter, travel down through the sand (in a sand filter) or in and through the de of your de filter, and then the water gets fed back through the outlet pipe ...
Why take apart a multiport?
The multiport can typically be taken apart to assess the condition of the inner parts. When it looks like it should be replace, make sure you do this. It’s a relatively inexpensive part, and plays a large role in your equipment. The multiport itself does not have a power source, and it should not make noise.
Does a multi port pool pump have a power source?
The multi-port itself does not have a power source. Water flows into the pump from the main drain and returns of the pool, is pumped up and into the multi-port valve. The valve is just that, a multiple porting valve for the water. Typically you have several options for operation of your multi-port, they tend to be filter, backwash, rinse, ...
What causes a multiport valve to leak?
When the cover on your multiport valve leaks, the first thing you should check is your system’s pressure. A dirty filter or a closed return valve can cause high pressure and lead to leaks. However, if your pressure is normal, double check the cover screws.
What is a multiport leak?
However, if water rises from within the valve and overflows to the lid, you have a common multiport leak. Under the handle, on the stem of the diverter are gaskets. These gaskets prevent water from flowing through.
What is a spider gasket?
The spider gasket is the main diverter seal within your multiport valve. Spider gaskets divert water and keep it moving in the correct direction. It also keeps the flow moving on time as well.
Why does water come out of the waste port?
Another reason water might come through the waste port is a faulty valve spring. Occasionally, the valve spring may break or weaken. When this happens, the spider gasket won’t sit or seal properly and cause leaking out of the wrong port.
What to do if your valve is in poor shape?
If you open your valve and determine that the diffuser, spring, and/or your spider gasket is in poor shape, the easiest solution is to replace the entire key cover and handle assembly.
Why does my pool heater leak water?
One cause is when the pool heater shoots hot water back to the valve. The heat shrinks the PVC connector. As a result, water seeps through the gaps. However, over tightening the adaptor on the valve is probably the most common reason why leaks spring up near the pipes.
Can a multiport valve leak water?
Multiport Valve Leaks Out of the Waste Port. For the record, water is not supposed to come out of the waste port. So, if you’re not backwashing your filter and you see water leaking out of this line, it’s definitely not a good sign.
Why Is My Multiport Valve Leaking?
Multiport valves are the main water route interchange for your pool water. If the water needs to be forwarded, reversed or drained out, it will need to be done through this valve. The routing system inside a multiport valve is essentially water’s equivalent to chutes and ladders.
How to fix a leaking filter valve?
The Fix: Remove the valve from the filter and replace gaskets. Hopefully, the valve is piped in with unions so its removal is not a pain in the neck. Once the valve is off, find the gasket and apply a freshly lubed replacement.
What is the spider gasket on a pool?
These gasket spokes act as dividers to ensure the path of the water stays true . If your multiport valve has a drip coming from the waste port line, most pool technicians will jump for the spider gasket.
How many positions are there in a multiport pool valve?
The routing system inside a multiport valve is essentially water’s equivalent to chutes and ladders. These valves have as many as seven “positions” but for the most part the average pool owner will only use a handful of these.
Where is the O ring on a valve cover?
The valve cover o-ring is found in the seam between the valve cover and main housing. If water is found leaking from this seam then this gasket would be your culprit. To access the gasket we would simply remove the 6 – 8 screws on the valve cover to remove it, peel out the o-ring, clean the groove, lube the new o-ring and re-attach screws.
Where is the spider gasket on a diverter?
The spider gasket is located either on the diverter pinwheel or the base of the valve the diverter faces. When we select a function on a multiport valve and release the handle, we drop the diverter onto the spider gasket. If the gasket has become worn and warped then the water will seep through the seam and end up in the waste.
Can you replace a spring on a pool diverter?
The Fix: Replace spring, which to be honest, is not fun at all. The spring is sandwiched on the diverter assembly which means it must be disassembled and assembled again. The hard part is getting the spring depressed enough to secure the handle pivot rod. If you are feeling brave and want to attempt a spring replacement, please follow our guide: How To Replace a Pool Multiport Valve Spring